Published: Friday, March 22, 2013 at 6:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 6:08 p.m.

The niece of a Gadsden murder victim has filed a complaint with the Civil Service Board against Police Chief John Crane, alleging an improper relationship between Crane and the confessed killer, according to documents obtained from Personnel Director Jerry Gladden.

Law enforcement officials say Justin Denson in December 2009 used a sledgehammer to kill his mother, Nita Gay Denson. Originally charged with capital murder, he pleaded guilty and in January was sentenced to 99 years in prison for intentional murder. He also received two 10-year sentences for fraudulent use of a credit or debit card.

Joy Bates said in the complaint that Justin Denson was able to plead guilty to intentional murder as opposed to capital murder because of the relationship between Denson and Crane. A capital murder conviction would have resulted in life in prison without parole or the death penalty.

Denson’s intentional murder conviction means, in theory, he could be paroled.

“As a result of John Crane’s actions, I will be forced to attend that Parole Board hearing and all future (hearings) for Justin Denson to protect my family,” Bates said in the complaint.

The complaint alleges that Crane purchased a suit for Denson to wear for his initial court appearance; visited him 70 times and called him 150 times while he was in the Etowah County Detention Center; placed money in Denson’s commissary account on a frequent and recurring basis; and possibly gave Denson information that jeopardized the district attorney’s case.

Crane, who was hired as police chief in February 2012, is alleged to have committed eight offenses in the complaint: commission of gross misconduct or negligence in the performance of duty; disobedience of, neglect or refusal to comply with written or oral rules or orders; general incompetence; giving police information to any person concerning the business of the department which may be detrimental to the department; association with known criminals; distribution of monies to prisoners; conduct unbecoming a police officer; and any act or omission constituting a violation of the rules and regulations of any department order.

Bates said she hopes the Civil Service Board will discipline Crane for his alleged relationship.

“This would be a positive step to demonstrate misconduct of this magnitude will not be tolerated,” Bates said. “Crane’s misconduct has been detrimental to the image and confidence the public has in the Gadsden Police Department.”

Crane’s attorney, Michael Haney, would not characterize the relationship between Crane and Denson, but defended his client.

“I expect that the evidence that comes out at the Civil Service Board hearing will show that Chief Crane has done nothing wrong,” Haney said.

<p>The niece of a Gadsden murder victim has filed a complaint with the Civil Service Board against Police Chief John Crane, alleging an improper relationship between Crane and the confessed killer, according to documents obtained from Personnel Director Jerry Gladden.</p><p>Law enforcement officials say Justin Denson in December 2009 used a sledgehammer to kill his mother, Nita Gay Denson. Originally charged with capital murder, he pleaded guilty and in January was sentenced to 99 years in prison for intentional murder. He also received two 10-year sentences for fraudulent use of a credit or debit card.</p><p>Joy Bates said in the complaint that Justin Denson was able to plead guilty to intentional murder as opposed to capital murder because of the relationship between Denson and Crane. A capital murder conviction would have resulted in life in prison without parole or the death penalty.</p><p>Denson's intentional murder conviction means, in theory, he could be paroled. </p><p>“As a result of John Crane's actions, I will be forced to attend that Parole Board hearing and all future (hearings) for Justin Denson to protect my family,” Bates said in the complaint.</p><p>The complaint alleges that Crane purchased a suit for Denson to wear for his initial court appearance; visited him 70 times and called him 150 times while he was in the Etowah County Detention Center; placed money in Denson's commissary account on a frequent and recurring basis; and possibly gave Denson information that jeopardized the district attorney's case.</p><p>Crane, who was hired as police chief in February 2012, is alleged to have committed eight offenses in the complaint: commission of gross misconduct or negligence in the performance of duty; disobedience of, neglect or refusal to comply with written or oral rules or orders; general incompetence; giving police information to any person concerning the business of the department which may be detrimental to the department; association with known criminals; distribution of monies to prisoners; conduct unbecoming a police officer; and any act or omission constituting a violation of the rules and regulations of any department order.</p><p>Bates said she hopes the Civil Service Board will discipline Crane for his alleged relationship.</p><p>“This would be a positive step to demonstrate misconduct of this magnitude will not be tolerated,” Bates said. “Crane's misconduct has been detrimental to the image and confidence the public has in the Gadsden Police Department.”</p><p>Crane's attorney, Michael Haney, would not characterize the relationship between Crane and Denson, but defended his client.</p><p>“I expect that the evidence that comes out at the Civil Service Board hearing will show that Chief Crane has done nothing wrong,” Haney said.</p><p>Crane declined all requests for comment.</p>